The health of a dog's heart is crucial to its well-being. A normal heart maintains blood circulation and organ functions. An unhealthy heart can cause problems such as shortness of breath and fatigue, reducing the quality of life. Daily care, including a proper diet, moderate exercise, avoiding stress, and regular check-ups, can prevent heart problems and prolong a dog's life.
I、 Why is it vital to support heart health for dogs
The heart health of dogs is of utmost importance as it is the core guarantee of a dog's health.
First of all, the heart is the power source of blood circulation. A healthy heart can transport blood containing abundant oxygen and nutrients to every parts of a dog's body, including muscles, bones, and so on. This is like an efficient transportation network that provides the substances necessary for the survival and functioning of cells in different parts of the body. For example, your puppy’s brain needs a persisting blood supply to maintain its normal neural functions and ensure a dog's perception, reaction, and learning ability. Once the heart has a problem and blood circulation is blocked, various organs of the body cannot obtain sufficient nutrients, and their functions will gradually decline.
Secondly, heart health affects a dog's athletic ability. A normal heart can provide enough blood to the muscles during the exercise to meet the muscle's demand for oxygen. A dog with a healthy heart can run and play vitally and happily. When chasing toys or exploring outdoors, it is full of energy. However, if the heart function is worse, which will severely limits their activity range and quality of life.
Furthermore, heart health is closely related to a dog's lifespan. Heart diseases often trigger a series of complicated issues, such as pulmonary edema and liver congestion. These complications will gradually damage your pet’s body functions and deteriorate its physical condition. In many cases, heart problems are one of the most important causes of death for elderly dogs. Moreover, heart disease can occur at any age of a dog, from childhood to old age. Once the disease occurs, if it is not properly treated and cared for, it will seriously shorten a dog's life.
Finally, heart discomfort will bring great pain to dogs. Symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and fatigue will make dogs constantly in a state of discomfort, seriously affecting their moods and quality of life. Therefore, paying attention to a dog's heart health is the key to ensuring a happy life for dogs.
II、 The types and symptoms of heart disease in dogs
i、The types of heart disease
1、Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is a heart structural abnormality that dogs are born with. This mainly results from genetic factors or adverse external influences during embryonic development. Some dog of breeds have a higher incidence of congenital heart disease. For example, in some small dogs. This type of heart disease may involve various parts of the heart. For instance, ventricular septal defect, it means a hole in the septum between the ventricles, which will cause abnormal shunting of blood between the ventricles and increase the burden on the heart. There is also tetralogy of Fallot, in which four heart structural malformations, including pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, aortic overriding, and right ventricular hypertrophy, seriously affecting the normal blood circulation and oxygen delivery function of the heart. Sick puppies usually show symptoms such as slow growth, easy fatigue, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it may threaten life in infancy.
2、Acquired heart disease
Valvular heart disease:
Valvular heart disease is more common in elderly dogs. As dogs get older, heart valves may develop lesions due to long-term wear and tear, degeneration, and other reasons. For example, mitral regurgitation. The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle. When there is a problem appeared , such as thickening and deformation, it cannot close properly, resulting in blood refluxing from the left ventricle to the left atrium. This will make the heart need to work harder to maintain blood circulation. Sick dogs may experience coughing, shortness of breath, especially more obvious at night or after exercise. In the long term, it can lead to heart failure.
Cardiomyopathy:
Cardiomyopathy is also an important type of acquired heart disease, which is divided into two models, Among them, dilated cardiomyopathy is manifested as enlarged ventricles and thinned myocardium, resulting in a decline in heart contractile function. Large dogs, such as Great Danes, are more likely to suffer from this disease. Sick dogs will have symptoms such as decreased exercise tolerance, difficulty breathing, and abdominal effusion.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an abnormal thickening of the myocardium, leading to a smaller ventricular cavity and affecting the normal filling and pumping out of blood. It can cause problems such as fainting and difficulty breathing in dogs. Some medium and large dogs have a certain tendency to develop this disease.
ii、The symptoms when dogs suffer from heart disease
When a dog suffers from heart disease, a series of distressing symptoms will appear.
In terms of breathing, the most obvious is shortness of breath. Even with only slight activity or even at rest, the pet pants like it has just finished a marathon.
Difficulty breathing is also common. In severe cases, the dog will be forced to adopt a sitting breathing position, stretching its neck and extending its head forward to try to get more air. It will also be accompanied by frequent coughing. The dry cough is particularly harsh in a quiet environment. Especially at night or when doing exercise, coughing becomes more severe, as if wanting to cough out the heart and lungs.
The exercise endurance drops sharply. The once lively and energetic dog becomes easily tired now. After playing or walking a little bit, it needs to rest. It may stop suddenly after walking a few steps and be unwilling to move anymore. The interest in activities such as games and walks is greatly reduced because the heart cannot provide sufficient blood and oxygen for the body during exercise.
Appetite will also be affected. Facing the usually beloved food, it just sniffs and then turns away. The food intake gradually decreases, and the weight also drops, becoming thin. In addition, edema in the body can be observed. The abdomen may swell due to fluid accumulation. When you press the pet’s abdomen lightly by hand, there is a fluctuating feeling. Edema may also appear in the limbs. After you press it, the skin depresses and recovers slowly.
A dog with severe heart disease may suddenly faint and fall to the ground without warning and lose consciousness. This is an extremely dangerous situation and requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms warn the owners that there may be a serious problem with the dog's heart and must be given high attention and timely treatment.
III、The treatments and supplements for heart disease
i、The treatments for heart disease
1、Medical treatment
Diuretics: This is a commonly used drug in the treatment of dog heart disease, such as furosemide. When a dog has heart failure and causes edema, diuretics can promote the kidneys to excrete excess water and salt, reduce edema in the lungs and other parts of the body, and relieve symptoms such as difficulty breathing. It is highly effective for sick dogs with pleural effusion or ascites.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI): Drugs like benazepril can inhibit the production of angiotensin, dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce the afterload of the heart. Long-term use helps improve heart function and prevent further enlargement of the heart and deterioration of the condition. It is especially suitable for heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases.
Positive inotropic drugs: For dogs with weakened myocardial contractility, positive inotropic drugs such as digoxin can enhance myocardial contractility and strengthen the pumping function of the heart. However, when the puppy’s parents use it, it is necessary to closely monitor heart rate and adverse drug reactions, because improper use may lead to arrhythmia.
Antiarrhythmic drugs: When a dog has arrhythmia, drugs such as amiodarone can be used to regulate the heart rhythm and restore the heartbeat to normal, preventing further damage to heart function and fainting caused by arrhythmia.
2、Supplement application
Coenzyme Q10: As an antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 has a protective effect on heart cells. It participates in the cellular energy metabolism process and helps maintain the normal function of myocardial cells. In the treatment of heart disease for dogs, it can improve myocardial energy supply and enhance heart function. It is effective for elderly dogs or dogs with chronic heart disease in particular.
Taurine: It plays an important role in the normal physiological function of myocardial cells. Many dogs with cardiomyopathy may have a deficiency of taurine. Supplementing taurine can regulate the calcium balance in myocardial cells, enhance myocardial contractility and diastolic function, and reduce the occurrence of arrhythmia. It is of positive significance to improving the heart health of dogs.
Omega - 3 fatty acids: Mainly found in fish oil, it has anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects. It can improve vascular endothelial function, reduce the inflammatory response of cardiovascular diseases, and help prevent thrombosis and atherosclerosis. It has certain value for the adjuvant treatment of dog heart disease.
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Noora Heart Supplement
Advantages/Functions: Noora Heart Supplement is a heart health supplement designed for dogs of all ages, aiming to support circulation and the utilization of oxygen. The active ingredients in this supplement are formulated to maintain heart health and enhance cardiac function.
Appearance/Taste: The product comes in the form of bite-sized chews with a chicken liver flavor, which is intended to increase the product's palatability for dogs.
Size: 5 grams each chew, 45 bite-sized chews in each bottle, a total of 225 g (7.94 oz).
Noora 8-in-1 Health Supplement
Advantages/Functions: Specifically designed for dogs, this supplement provides comprehensive health support, including for joints, muscles, cardiovascular health, skin, gut, and immune system. It contains a number of active ingredients, including Glucosamine and MSM. Other active ingredients include Boswellia Extract and Grape Seed Extract.
Appearance/Taste: This product is available in chewable tablets that have a chicken liver taste to make it more appealing for dogs.
Size: 2.5 grams each tablet, 50 tablets in each bottle, a total of 125g (4.41 oz ).
IV、How to detect if your pet is experiencing heart discomfort
i、Monitoring breathing patterns
One of the most apparent signs of potential heart problems in pets is abnormal breathing. Pay close attention to your pet's breathing rate. A normal resting breathing rate varies by species and size. For example, a small dog may breathe around 15 - 30 times per minute, while a larger dog may have a rate of 10 - 20 times per minute. If you notice that your pet is breathing significantly faster than normal, especially when at rest or during light activity, it could be a sign of heart trouble. Rapid and shallow breathing or panting without an evident cause like heat or exercise might indicate that the heart is having difficulty pumping blood effectively, leading to a need for more oxygen.
Another aspect of breathing to watch for is labored breathing. This can manifest that your pet seems to struggle for taking in air, with their abdomen or chest moving more vigorously than usual. They may also have an open - mouthed breathing pattern, which is not typical during normal rest. In some cases, pets with heart problems may have a wheezing or rattling sound when they breathe. This could be caused by fluid buildup in the lungs as a result of heart failure, leading to the airways to be partially blocked.
ii、Observing activity levels and exercise tolerance
A sudden decrease in your pet's activity level can be a red flag for heart issues. If your dog becomes lethargic, reluctant to play, or seems to be tired easily during walks or playtime that they previously enjoyed, it maybe because the heart is unable to supply enough oxygenated blood to the muscles. For instance, a dog that used to be able to run around the yard for an extended period without sickness but now gets tired after just a few minutes might have an underlying heart problem.
Similarly, if your pet shows reluctance to jump onto furniture or climb stairs that they previously had no trouble with, it could be related to heart - related fatigue. When the heart is not functioning properly, even simple movements can become exhausting for your puppy. Pay attention to any changes in how your pet moves, such as a slower gait or an unsteady walk, as these could also be signs of decreased cardiac function affecting their overall mobility.
iii、Checking for coughing and gagging
Coughing in pets can be a symptom of being sick, including heart problems. A dry, hacking cough that occurs frequently, especially at night or after physical activity, may be inclined to heart disease. In dogs, this type of cough can sometimes be mistaken for a common cough, but if it persists for some time and is accompanied by other symptoms like breathing difficulties or fatigue, heart problems should be considered. The coughing is often caused by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs or pressure on the airways.
iv、Looking for changes in appetite and weight
Heart problems can sometimes lead to a loss of appetite in pets. When the heart does work well, the body's circulation is affected, and this can impact the digestive system. Your pet may show less interest in food, be picky about their meals, or even refuse to eat anything. Over time, this can bring about weight loss, which can be a significant sign of an underlying health issue, including heart disease.
Conversely, some pets with heart problems may experience fluid retention, which can cause weight gain. This fluid can accumulate in the abdomen, making it look swollen, or in the limbs, causing them to appear puffy. If you notice any sudden or unexplained changes in your pet's weight or body shape, it's crucial to consider the possibility of heart - related problems.
v、Noticing behavioral and postural changes
Pets with heart discomfort may appear changes in behavior. They may become more withdrawn, less interactive with family members, or seem more irritable than usual. These changes can be result from the general malaise caused by the heart condition. Additionally, you may notice your pet poses unusually. For example, a dog with heart failure may stand or lie in a position that seems to help it breathe more easily, for instance, with its head and neck extended or by propping itself up on its elbows.
In conclusion, being vigilant and observing these various signs can help you find out if your pet is experiencing heart discomfort. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early detection and intervention can greatly improve the prognosis for pets with heart problems.
VI、The daily heart support for dogs
i、Dietary management
First and foremost, a proper diet is crucial. A low - sodium diet is often recommended as it helps to reduce fluid retention. This means avoiding processed dog foods that are typically high in salt. Instead, look for high - quality, vete - recommended cardiac - specific dog foods. These are formulated to provide the right balance of nutrients without overloading the heart with excess fluid. You can also add some fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation. For example, blueberries are rich in antioxidants that can help protect the heart cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, ensuring that your dog maintains a healthy weight through diet is essential. Obesity puts extra strain on the heart, so portion control and monitoring calorie intake are key.
ii、Medication administration
Taking medications as prescribed by the vet is a daily necessity. This might include drugs such as diuretics to remove excess fluid, ACE inhibitors to reduce blood pressure and ease the workload on the heart, and in some cases, medications to control arrhythmias. Set a regular schedule for giving these medications. For example, if your dog needs to take a pill twice a day, establish a morning and evening routine. It's also important to make sure your dog swallows the medication properly. You can hide pills in small amounts of soft food like cheese or peanut butter if your dog is reluctant to take them directly.
iii、Exercise and rest
exercise is important for a dog's overall well - being, it needs to be carefully regulated for those with heart problems. Gentle walks are usually beneficial. These walks should be at a pace that doesn't cause your dog to pant excessively or show signs of fatigue quickly. Monitor your dog's breathing and behavior during exercise. If they start to lag behind, seem short of breath, or want to stop, it's time to rest. Provide a quiet, comfortable place for your dog to rest throughout the day. A soft bed away from noisy areas can help your dog relax and reduce stress on the heart.
iv、Stress reduction
Dogs with heart troubles are more sensitive to stress. Minimize changes in their environment as much as possible. Keep their daily routine stable, including feeding times, walks, and rest times. Avoid situations that might cause anxiety, such as loud noises or overcrowding. If your dog shows signs of stress, like pacing or whining, try to comfort them with a calm voice and gentle petting. Also, ensure that interactions with other animals or people are positive and not overwhelming for your furry friend. By taking these daily steps, you can provide the best possible support for your dog's heart health.
